Queen of the Black Roses Ball Read online

  Meri sucked in the breath that had just been squeezed out of her. Ms. Charlotte pulled on the black satin corset ties again. “Hold still. My old fingers aren’t as strong as they used to be. When you’re my age, nothing is as strong as it used to be.”

  Meri wheezed. “How on earth did women breathe in these things?”

  Charlotte tugged some more and grumbled under her breath, “Very carefully. In my day we didn’t go running down the street. Your grandmother and I glided with practiced elegance.”

  “It won’t look good if I faint from lack of oxygen. Can’t you loosen the ties a little?

  “Not unless you want to go with your underwear showing.”

  “I’m pretty sure this is a mistake.”

  “The mistake was when you didn’t wait for Keegan to come home and marry him when you had the chance.”

  “That wasn’t all my fault. His sister told me he’d fallen in love with someone in North Carolina. He quit calling me. Lance was right there like he’d always been. We had our careers to worry about. We’d all been friends forever so it didn’t seem like much of a change.”

  “Yeah, well, that was before you married him.” Charlotte adjusted the strings and tied them off.

  “He and Keegan stayed friends. It didn’t seem to make any difference to them.” Meri drew in as much air as she could and pressed her hands against the front of her hips. She stared into the cheval mirror and muttered, “This looks amazing. Hurts like hell, but still it’s amazing.”

  Charlotte grinned. “The spell is already working. Remember, you can only tell the truth while wearing the dress. You have till midnight of the Black Roses Ball to tell Keegan the whole truth. After that the dress will lose the power to grant you a second chance and you’ll lose him forever.”

  “Got it. Midnight when the clock strikes twelve on the Riverwalk. In the meantime I get a chance to explain what happened, why I didn’t wait for him to come home.”

  “You will be crowned Queen of the Black Roses Ball like I was but don’t make my mistake. The dress comes with a price. You can’t mess up. Pride, no pride, choke it down, do whatever you have to but only dance the coronation waltz with your one true love. You hear me?”

  “Yes, I understand. I promise.” Meri gazed across Ms. Charlotte’s bedroom at the beaded, black velvet ball gown sparkling on the dress form. “Why haven’t you given it away?”

  “I can’t. The ball gown has to go to a Queen of the Black Roses Ball that needs to find her true love.”

  “Then what happens to it?” Meri was curious what she’d do with the dress after the ball. What became of magical ball gowns when the magic disappeared?

  “If you are successful, the dress returns to its natural state. The color will fade, the threads will fray, and the beaded roses will sag. If you fail, you’ll have to keep the gown and pass it on to the next girl who’s loved and lost and needs one last chance to make it right.”

  “Okay, let’s get on with this.. Destiny is waiting for me.”

  “Dress first and then the mask. You can’t take off the mask no matter what happens.”

  Keegan stood up from tying his dress uniform shoes. Despite being spit-and-polished up, he was so not ready to go to the ball. Prince Charming was not his thing. If Aunt Charlotte wasn’t his favorite aunt, there’d be no way in hell he’d be going to this shindig. He liked having a good time as much as the next person, but he didn’t like big crowds.

  Aunt Charlotte was right about keeping proud military uniforms in the public eye. That was the main reason he’d let himself be talked into escorting a lady who hoped to become the next Queen of the Black Roses Ball. Whoever she was she’d worked hard enough for the Veteran’s Widows Retirement Home to get a shot at being crowned queen.

  He’d survived two tours in Afghanistan, so surely he could survive a formal ball and one parade in San Antonio. And he owed it to his aunt. She’d always been there for him after his mother passed away. She’d come to all his graduations and remembered his birthdays. Her door was always open to him on leave and holidays. He loved the old lady, and this was the only thing she’d ever asked him to do. So he would go to the ball this one time.

  He wore his dress blues with pride. He would be the gentleman he was expected to be if it killed him. His disappointment with civilian life would have to wait. He could name a dozen guys that would love to be in his shoes tonight. He shook off that thought and climbed into his truck.

  The white limousine at the curb stopped and the Marine officer ahead of Keegan opened the door to assist the lady from the vehicle and escort her inside. That left him next in line. Keegan stood straight and tall watching each limousine turn the corner and pull up under the porte-cochere. It looked like an endless parade of spotless black and brilliant white limousines. The clip clop of horse’s hooves caught his ear. He turned his head to see what the growing buzz was all about.

  Good God in Heaven, the carriage was a throwback to the old days. The really old days. Four black horses with polished black harnesses pranced around the corner pulling a fine antique black enclosed chaise with gold trim. Lowered windows allowed air to flow through and the dark, royal purple curtains swayed with the rocking of the carriage. He heard whispers from the crowd behind him. “Who is it? Who can it be?”

  Photographers pushed for better angles and the crowd paused to see who the mystery lady would be.

  The carriage stopped, and he stepped forward. His white gloved hand gripped the handle. He wished the horses would hold still but the noise from the crowd was making them nervous. He pulled the door open with his left hand and blindly extended his right to the lady inside.

  When he looked up his gaze took in the striking contrast of a beaded black velvet dress spread across plush royal purple tucked-velvet upholstery. Out of the deep shadows of the carriage a small black gloved hand reached out and firmly gripped his. The slender lady had his full attention immediately. This was not some soft, fluffy debutante.

  Her voice was low and quiet. “This dress weighs more than I do. You’re going to have to pull harder to get me out of here.”

  “What fool wears a dress she can’t stand up in?” He tried to rein in the sound of annoyance in his deep voice.

  “The kind that expects a gentleman to assist a lady.” She snatched her hand out of his. “Just hold the door and I’ll do this myself.”

  Keegan tried to get ahold of her hand but he was too late. She’d scooted to the edge of the seat and had one hand gripping each side of the door frame. In the next breath, she launched to her feet and popped her head out followed by her shoulders. Good Hell. He grabbed her at the waist before she swan-dived head first onto the pavement.

  He gathered his composure as he turned and lowered the lady to the ground. Talk about a grand entrance. No stepping down from the carriage gracefully. No, he’d literally swept her off her feet and now he had to extend his arm to escort this unladylike lady to the ball. Heaven help him, it was going to be a long night.

  She rested her hand lightly over his and walked in step next to him. Her dress skirt belled in the front with each step she took. The short train trailed behind, an elegant reminder of days gone by as it whispered over the red carpet covering the entry hall. A Venetian-lace mask covered her ivory complexion and mahogany curls framed them both. Her silvery-blue eyes gleamed with some unidentified emotion. Her ruby-red lips smiled below the lace edge of the mask. She had an easy way about her when she wasn’t snarling at him. From what he could see she was more than just pretty. Well, at least that was something.

  The crystal chandeliers sparkled shooting prisms of light from the high ceiling of the ballroom. All along the edges of the room, round tables cov
ered with snow-white table clothes and black-satin rose centerpieces lent an air of tuxedo elegance to the atmosphere. Meri reminded herself to breathe. She opened her peacock feather fan and gently waved it under her chin. She needed air and lots of it.

  Keegan O’Leary was more handsome now than he’d ever been. His dark auburn hair was shorter but still had the waves she remembered running her fingers through. And he was strong. He’d picked her up like she weighed nothing even in the gargantuan dress she was wearing. Tall, strong, handsome, could she go home now? Why couldn’t he be bald and fat? This had to be the worst idea she’d ever had.

  And the damn dress was strangling her. She fluttered the fan under her chin a few more times. It helped. Maybe.

  They stepped farther into the room and got caught up in the couples moving from table to table greeting each other and commenting on how well the year’s fund raising had gone. Meri all but jumped out of her dress when Keegan whispered in her ear. “What’s all the fuss about? They have veteran’s benefits.”

  She smiled benignly and tugged him along toward the next table. “Veteran’s benefits don’t amount to all that much and many don’t have families to help them out. Not only have they lost the soldier they loved, they’ve been forgotten.”

  “So, is that where you and your group come in?”

  “Yes.” She smiled and looked away. “We try to help.”

  “And how did you get involved?”

  “My husband. He was killed in Iraq. It’s been four years, but sometimes it seems like yesterday.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you’re a widow. I wasn’t told that when I signed up for this gig.”

  “Only veteran’s widows are allowed to join The Black Roses.”

  He held her by the elbow as he crowded her personal space and said, “It’s never easy to lose a spouse. Are you doing okay?”

  “It’s not about me.” She took a small step.

  He followed. “If helping others makes you feel better that counts.”

  Meri inhaled in as much air as she could and quietly asked, “Why did you come to this ball?”

  “I came as a favor to someone I care about. If I’m making you uncomfortable just say the word and I’m gone. You can stay here and dance the night away with your friends.”

  She grabbed his arm. “No. You can’t leave. Keegan, please, you have to stay till they announce the new Queen.”

  His eyes narrowed and his forehead wrinkled. “How do you know my name?”

  She glanced around the room trying to buy time and figure a way out without lying. She was so screwed. “We were friends years ago. We went to college together.” Before you got a new girlfriend and joined the Army.

  He put both hands on hers shoulders and studied her face through the mask.

  “Meri?”

  “Yes. After all the years and foreign assignments I’m back home.” She plastered a smile on her face and glanced around the room, keeping up appearances.

  He followed her gaze. “We can’t talk here.” He tugged her toward the dance floor saying, “Come on, let’s dance. I have questions.”

  The orchestra started a Viennese waltz. “Waltzes were always your favorite.”

  “I’m surprised you remember.”

  “Not likely to ever forget. You made me take the damn dance class with you.”

  “I love ballroom dancing.”

  ‘”Yeah, I know. “

  “Lance hated it. He wouldn’t even dance with me at our wedding.”

  “I guess I missed that.” He stepped aside letting her swirl under his arm then pulling her back.

  “You were already at Fort Bragg.”

  “No, I wasn’t.”

  “Well, that’s what your sister told me. Vivian said you’d already moved to Fort Bragg and were living with, um, Cindy. I think that’s the right name. I forget. Every time Vivian called you had someone new.”

  “No, I didn’t. And my sister didn’t bother to call me but maybe once a month and usually she wanted a loan.”

  “You stopped calling me.”

  “Vivian told me you were serious about Lance. He was my best friend. I figured I’d screwed up by leaving for the Army so soon after graduation and he’d stepped up to take care of you.”

  Meri dug her fingers into Keegan’s shoulder to keep herself upright while staring at the insignias and medals on his jacket. “I didn’t need anyone to take care of me. I needed you.” There. She’d swallowed her pride and told the freaking truth. Damn dress.

  He pulled away momentarily and sucked in a strangled breath. Great, they both reeled their way through the end of a waltz. Maybe with a little luck nobody noticed.

  The music ended and Meri followed Keegan’s lead as they walked gracefully off the dance floor. In that moment they looked like the perfect couple.

  It was a lie.

  Keegan put on his poker face and plastered a neutral smile on his lips. This was not the time and place to lose it. He hadn’t thought about Meri since Lance’s funeral. He’d been overseas at the time and couldn’t get back for the ceremony. His sister had texted him the pictures, none of which included Meri. It seemed clear to him she didn’t care about either him or Lance. She’d made a name for herself at the magazine and moved on.

  He stopped walking, turned and looked down at Meri who was looking up at him. “Why weren’t you at Lance’s funeral?”

  “I was there, and so was Jack. They handed me the folded flag. After the service I gave the flag to Jack. They’d been through so much together. It only seemed right he should have it.”

  “You lost me. What did Jack have to do with any of this? He didn’t start hanging out with us till senior year.”

  “Lance and Jack were close friends. I was gone on assignment for the magazine so much it was good for Lance to have the company.”

  Keegan nodded. “The magazine and you, the hot shot reporter from the hottest spots on the planet.” He chuckled quietly. “You said you were back in town. How long this time?”

  “Hard to say for sure. It depends. Could be permanent if things work out.” She bit her bottom lip. “I know all the airport lounges and ladies rooms by heart. I’ve done my part. I’m ready to slow down, take it easier and enjoy living more.”

  He grinned, took her arm and moved them toward the buffet table through the open French doors. “I can’t picture you ever slowing down. I don’t think you’ve got it in you.”

  “You might be right, but you weren’t on my last assignment. It was rough. That edition hasn’t hit the newsstands yet.”

  They stopped next to the stack of assorted plates. “I’ll fix you a plate. Tell me what you want.”

  “Anything with a toothpick. I don’t want to get these borrowed gloves dirty.”

  He picked up a small plate and chose some cheese cubes. “It’s not much but it’ll keep your stomach from growling.” He grinned at her. “Does it still do that when you see food?”

  She giggled. “Only when I’m hungry and if the food is really good.”

  “Liar.” He laughed and handed her the plate.

  “Nope. Not this time. It’s the truth and only the truth. I swear on the rings of Jupiter.”

  He looked at her with a, you’ve-got-to-be-kidding expression, then laughed. “Jupiter doesn’t have rings.” It had been a long time since he’d really laughed with any joy and it felt good. He missed that. She’d always been able to get a laugh out of him even when he was stressing over his grades or passing his next physical. A microphone screeched and knew he’d missed his chance to tell her how much he’d missed her.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen. It’s time to name this year’s Queen of the Black Roses Ball. May I have the envelope please?”

  Meri slip her hand in his and squeezed. What the hell?

  The new Queen is Ms. Meri Evans. Meri, where are you?”

  Meri waved and raised her voice to be heard over the clinking plates and glasses. “Here! I’m here.” She let go of Keegan and
made her way to the podium. She stepped up to the microphone. “Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to represent our organization and the services we support. This evening recognizes the importance the community places on providing comfort and shelter to the senior widows of our veterans. Please enjoy the evening.”

  Keegan walked up to the podium and offered her his arm. She took it gratefully to keep from falling flat on her face before she could dance the coronation waltz. She’d suddenly grown quite dizzy. The damn dress was suffocating her.

  Keegan bent his head down slightly and whispered, “For god’s sake breathe. You look like you’re about to faint.”

  “Later maybe. Right now we have to dance this waltz,” she said under her breath.

  “I’m at your service.” He bowed.

  She put her left hand on his shoulder and her right hand in his left. Perfect. She glanced around the room while they waited for the orchestra to begin. Showtime. She had to get this right. She’d been named Queen of the Black Roses Ball, she was holding the man that was her one true love, and all she had to do now was dance with him and tell him the truth. She’d been leading up to it all night long. A little hint here, a small clue there. She was so nervous her stomach was doing flip flops and she was in imminent danger of hurling.

  The first notes drifted through the heavy air around her. The ballroom had grown warm and stuffy in the time it had taken her to leave the podium and take her place on the dance floor. He stepped forward, she stepped back. One, two, three. One, two, three. Around the room they moved in perfect harmony. Unable to meet his eyes she looked out over his shoulder. She was a coward. She finally managed to choke out, “I have something I need to tell you.”

  “All right. I’m listening.” He danced them in a circle.

  Her dress swirled around behind her. The heavy skirt swayed and the beads on the train swished across the hardwood dance floor. “When Vivian told me you were in love with someone else I agreed to take the foreign reporting job so I could get away. The only catch was I needed to be a respectable married lady. Lance needed to be a respectable married man to get ahead in the Navy. We got married for convenience, for our careers. That was a mistake.”